What is the Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their shared borders. A single Schengen visa lets you travel freely between all member countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Which country should I apply through?
Apply through the country where you'll spend the most time. If your trip is split equally, apply through your first point of entry. For African passport holders, Portugal, Poland, and Greece tend to have the lowest rejection rates — if your itinerary is flexible, consider routing through one of them.
Is the UK included in the Schengen Zone?
No. The United Kingdom is NOT part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not grant entry to the UK, and a UK visa does not grant Schengen entry. You need separate visas for each.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The standard consular fee is €90 (adults, since June 2024) or €45 (children 6–12). Most African applicants also pay a VAC service fee of approximately €25–45 depending on provider. Total cost in local currency: roughly ₦194,000 for Nigerians, GHS 1,717 for Ghanaians, KES 18,250 for Kenyans, and ZAR ~2,400 for South Africans.
What documents do I need?
Core documents required for all Schengen applications: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, 2 passport photos, travel insurance (min. €30,000 cover), flight reservation, hotel bookings, bank statements (3–6 months), employment/business proof, and cover letter. Each country may require additional documents — see the country-specific guide.
How far in advance can I apply?
You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date. The earliest you should book your appointment is when you have confirmed travel dates. Given appointment wait times of 2–6 weeks for popular embassies, plan to start the process at least 2 months before travel.